Assimilation, choice, or constraint? Testing theories of gender differences in the careers of lawyers

Using data on lawyers in Chicago, we test competing hypotheses derived from three broad theoretical models of gender differences in professional caree rs: assimilation choice, and constraint. Men and women begin their careers in different practice contexts and the differences grow over time. The magn itude of these persistent differences argues against an assimilationist vie w Some of the divergence in career paths appears attributable to individual choices and preferences, but these do not fully account for the observed g ender differences. Human-capital endowments are significant predictors of c areer positions but also fail to explain the observed gender differences. W omen's overrepresentation in less prestigious and less remunerative setting s and their underrepresentation in law-firm partnerships suggest that const raints continue to affect women's professional career opportunities.